Cephalic presentation is a term used in obstetrics to describe the position of a fetus in the mother's womb, where the head is facing downwards towards the birth canal. The spelling of cephalic is pronounced /sɛˈfælɪk/, with stress on the second syllable followed by the sound of "f" and "l" before ending with the "ik" sound. This specific spelling and pronunciation are derived from the Greek word "kephalikos", meaning "pertaining to the head".
Cephalic presentation refers to a specific fetal position during childbirth, where the baby's head is positioned to emerge first through the birth canal. It is considered the most common and optimal position for vaginal delivery.
In cephalic presentation, the baby's head is down, with the skull in a flexed position, resting on the neck. This position allows for the smallest diameter of the head to be presented, facilitating a smoother passage through the birth canal. It also ensures that the baby's body remains aligned with the birth canal for an easier delivery.
Cephalic presentation can be further classified into several subtypes, including vertex presentation, where the baby's head is completely flexed, and face presentation, where the baby is positioned with the face down. Another subtype is the brow presentation, where the baby's head is moderately extended, causing the widest diameter to present first.
During prenatal care, healthcare providers keep a close check on the baby's position to detect any abnormalities. If the baby is not in a cephalic presentation, interventions may be planned to attempt to turn the baby into the correct position, through techniques like external cephalic version or the use of certain exercises.
Cephalic presentation is crucial because it maximizes the chances of a safe and successful vaginal delivery, reducing the risks associated with other presentations, such as breech or transverse. In cases where a baby is not in cephalic presentation, a cesarean section may be necessary to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Head p., the p. of any part of the fetal head-vertex, brow, face, parietal eminence, ear, or greater fontanelle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cephalic" comes from the Greek word "kephalē", meaning "head". The term "cephalic presentation" refers to the normal position of the head of a fetus in the uterus during childbirth. This term is derived from the Greek "kephalikos", which means "pertaining to the head" or "head-first".